out to lunch

When the ladies go out to lunch, the stereotypical image is one of a bunch of girlies sitting around gossiping about boys and other juicy topics. The gathering is loud and filled with whispers, laughter and gasps. Oh, and drinks. Lots of drinks. Nearby, other tables are collectively rolling their eyes at Table Estrogen.

At least, that's what comes to my mind. I've been to a few of those. Some are for emotional hand-holding and others are meant to encourage naughtiness and fun.

I choose door # 2, please and thank you.

So what do men talk about when they eat together? According to Mr. Man, they primarily meet to discuss business, complain about work or talk sports. Yawn.

I picture a bunch of well-dressed men, posturing about how well things are going and offering unsolicited opinions about what the other attendees should be doing with their business. I see chests getting puffed up and men on the verge of pounding their pectoral muscles. I see food being inhaled without much thought for chewing. Maybe a business card or two gets passed around. Double yawn.

My curiosity about what men talk about was prompted by seeing a generally anti-social colleague go out to lunch with a very social one. What could they possibly have to talk about? And, perhaps more notably, why do I even care? I don't, normally.

It must be that it's a distraction from the overwhelming and ever-growing work amassing itself on my desk. Maybe a little jealousy, too? They have time to go out and I don't. Who cares if it's just about comparing notes? It's an opportunity to leave the stress of the office (although temporarily) and spend some time playing with other people.

And I like to play. It's something I should do more often. Just wish my sandbox wasn't filled with all this paperwork.